UK recalls ambassador to Syria for consultations

FILE - In this Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011 file photo, the U.S. embassy building is seen in Damascus, Syria. The Obama administration has closed the U.S. Embassy in Damascus and pulled all American diplomats out of Syria Monday, Feb. 6, 2012. (AP Photo/Bassem Tellawi, File)

/ AP

FILE - In this Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011 file photo, the U.S. embassy building is seen in Damascus, Syria. The Obama administration has closed the U.S. Embassy in Damascus and pulled all American diplomats out of Syria Monday, Feb. 6, 2012. (AP Photo/Bassem Tellawi, File)

FILE - In this Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011 file photo, the U.S. embassy building is seen in Damascus, Syria. The Obama administration has closed the U.S. Embassy in Damascus and pulled all American diplomats out of Syria Monday, Feb. 6, 2012. (AP Photo/Bassem Tellawi, File) (/ AP)

The Associated Press

Britain has recalled its ambassador from Syria for consultations on the escalating violence in the country, Foreign Secretary William Hague said Monday. The decision was announced after the U.S. said it has closed its embassy in Damascus and pulled all American diplomats out of Syria.

Hague told lawmakers that Britain is using multiple channels to express its "abhorrence" at the violent crackdown on dissent by President Bashar Assad's regime, and has summoned Syria's ambassador to the Foreign Office to convey that message.

"This is a doomed regime as well as a murdering regime," Hague said. "There is no way it can recover its credibility internationally."

The Assad regime's crackdown on anti-government protesters has left thousands dead over the past year.

Hague slammed the decision by Russia and China to veto a United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at stemming the bloodshed, but said Britain will continue working to bring an end to the "utterly unacceptable" situation.

Outlining steps forward, Hague said the U.K. will continue its strong support of the Arab League and seek to widen the coalition of nations seeking a lasting and peaceful resolution in Syria.

Britain also will intensity its contact with members of the Syrian opposition, Hague said.